News & Events

Berks team ranks third runner-up in Walmart Collegiate Challenge

Two weeks ago, Penn State Berks Business students, Eric Augustine, Xin Yu Bi, Scott Caldwell, and Chia Y. Wu participated in the Center for Retailing Solutions-Collegiate Challenge at Kutztown University. Ada Leung, Assistant Professor of Marketing and James Shankweiler, Lecturer in Business, served as Faculty Advisors for this event that required students to complete three tasks: a store visit, integrating a Retailing Management Plan (IRM), and a presentation to the judges. The competition, which is in its first year, was held on April 18, 1012 and focused on improving customer experience at Walmart.

The competition spanned from fall 2011 to part of spring 2012, and teams were eligible to submit their entries at either time. Grand prize, awarded to team with the highest combined score of a paper and presentation, is a “traveling” trophy which is housed at the winner’s college. In addition, each member of the team receives a $250 Walmart gift card and a personalized coaching and training session from The Total Solutions Group, Inc., allowing students to optimize their development of professional skills and career planning. All participating teams receive a trophy and gain practical and theoretical experience that helps build an excellent base for a career in Business.

Ted Smyer, VP of Programs with the Center for Retailing Solutions and Market Manager for Walmart in Southeast Pennsylvania, has been with the Center since the inception, last year. He acknowledged the Berks team as, “creating the most creative and innovative Integrated Retailing Management Plan with analysis and recommendations substantiated by research data.”

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